The Meddler

Marnie (Susan Sarandon) lives an empty life after the death of her husband Joey. His death left her with more money than she needs. She moved from New York to L.A. to be close to her TV writer daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) and her grand-doggies. It's a struggle to fill her days and she is constantly trying to get into Lori's life. She's even going to Lori's therapist. Lori is suffering about her ex Jacob and from Marnie's meddling. Lori travels to New York. Marnie promises to pay for Lori's friend Jillian (Cecily Strong)'s wedding. She gives rides to Freddy from the Apple genius store. She volunteers at the hospital. Zipper (J.K. Simmons) is a retired cop working on a movie set that Marnie accidentally works onto.

This actually works better after Lori leaves town. Marnie's adventures are fun. Jillian's wedding feels a little Bridesmaids. There is an overload of funny women but it's fine. Jerrod Carmichael is a fun little appetizer but the main course is J.K. Simmons. I actually missed these characters when Marnie goes to New York. I would rather have an indie about Marnie with Jillian, Freddy, and Zipper. It's a bit depressing without them and I can only take so much.

I'm going to go against the grain here, but I think this is a charming little money that gives you a few laughs. It's essentially about a widow and mother who uses her money to help people she doesn't really know that well but who shes formed a connection with. It's not going to blow your mind but it's feel good...

This movie is an astute portrayal of a mother's relationship with her daughter. The specificities and little details help the relationship feel real. Good character detail, and even though not a whole lot happens, it is overall a great dramedy.

I like Susan and Rose in this movie. In addition all the supporting cast was great. The script was well written, and the scenes were shot very well in order to tell the story. The music was also very complimentary to the narration. I also enjoyed recognizing a few locations from my numerous trips to Los Angeles. The Malibu Pier, and the Mall at Glendale were my favorites. I guarantee you will laugh, and maybe even cry a little. This is a must see movie for mothers and daughters. It might even help you with your relationship if you listen and pay attention. I will recommend this to my fiends and especially to the ladies and some mothers.

"I think it's time we set some boundaries." Lori (Byrne) as been dumped by her boyfriend and is struggling with getting through the day to day grind of life. Things get worse when her overbearing and constantly there mother Marnie (Sarandon) shows up and tries to help. Eventually Lori needs a break and when she goes to New York for a job she tells her mother to stay. Without Lori to take care of Marnie finds ways to help others and, more importantly, herself. This, like many reviews, should be taken with a grain of salt. Mainly because I am a guy and this movie was not geared toward me at all. That said I didn't think the movie was that bad, but it was just nothing I could totally get invested in. Some of the scenes were funny, but Sarandon played the part in a way where it made me feel sorry for her more than anything. That may have been the intention but that is what I got out of it. Also, the movie is not what I expected. I was expecting something along the lines of a more serious Guilt Trip type movie, and this is more about Marnie finding what makes her happy. Overall, not a bad movie at all but, again, the movie isn't made for me. If you liked Hello, My Name is Doris you will like this as well. I give this a B.